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Located in the southernmost part of Japan, Okinawa is a tropical paradise that offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and outdoor adventures. No matter what you like to do on vacation, this Japanese island has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll share the top 9 reasons to visit Okinawa, including the best attractions and activities to add to your itinerary. Ready to start planning your Okinawa adventure? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Where is Okinawa?
Okinawa is a tropical island located in the Pacific Ocean. This Japanese territory is located about 400 miles south of mainland Japan.
How to Get to Okinawa?
Despite its remote location, Okinawa is relatively easy to travel to. Most visitors arrive to Naha International Airport by air. There are also ferries that operate from ports on the mainland.
Top Reasons to Visit Okinawa!
1. Visit Urasoe Castle
Urasoe Castle is a great place to visit in Okinawa, especially for those interested in history and architecture. The castle was built in the 14th century and played a significant role in the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Today, the ruins of the castle offer a glimpse into the past and the architectural and engineering feats of the time. Visitors can explore the castle’s grounds, including its gates, walls, and towers, and learn about its history through informative signs and exhibits. My favorite part was climbing to the top and seeing the panoramic view of the area.
2. Snorkel at Cape Maeda
Cape Maeda is one of the best spots for snorkeling in Okinawa. While snorkeling, you will see plenty of coral reefs, thousands of color fish, and you may be lucky enough to find some sea turtles! There are certain creatures you need to watch out for, such as sea snakes and the blue-ringed octopus. You should also swim with a guide, because occasionally there are strong currents in the area.
3. Eat at a soba restaurant
Soba is more than just a type of noodle in Okinawa: it’s an important staple of their diet. Okinawan soba is different from soba from the mainland, using thicker noodles made from wheat in a rich broth. Other ingredients, such as fish cakes and green onions are added to the soba. In some restaurants, you can watch them make the fresh noodles before preparing them for your dinner!
4. Visit the Nago Pineapple Park
The Nago Pineapple Park is a museum and pineapple plantation located in the northern part of the island. Here, you will learn about how pineapples are grown and turned into wine. At the end of the tour, you will be able to taste some fresh pineapple juice, and it was the best pineapple juice that I had ever had! Buy some pineapple wine to take home with you and share with friends!
5. Watch a cultural performance in Naha
Okinawa has a very interesting culture, and you will be able to witness it firsthand by visiting Naha, the capital city. The city is home to a variety of cultural centers and theaters that offer performances featuring music, dance, and theatrical arts. You will also likely see performances on the street, complete with intricate costumes, dance performances, and the taiko, a large traditional drum. I was lucky enough to see a live performance of a woman playing the sanshin, which is similar to a snakeskin-covered banjo.
6. Visit a fish market
If you want to enjoy an authentic experience, you should visit a fish market in Okinawa. You can easily find some in Naha just by walking around – they’re everywhere! Most fish markets will have the fish outside for customers to select. Once you select your fish, you can tell them how you want the fish prepared. My fish was prepared as sashimi, with the fins and head cooked in a stew. One of the best meals I had in Okinawa!
7. Check out the Memorial Peace Park
Visiting the Peace Memorial Park in Okinawa is a sobering experience. The park serves as a reminder of the the lives lost during World War II. During the Battle of Okinawa, over 200,000 people died, and many of them were civilians. The park features a variety of memorials, but my favorite was the Cornerstone of Peace. This monument listed the names of all those who lost their lives in the battle. I had seen similar memorials in the US, so it was interesting to see a Japanese version. This is a great place to reflect on the past and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.
8. Relax on one of the many beaches
Okinawa has some beautiful beaches. Many of them are popular with both foreign and Japanese tourists. However, if you are willing to explore a little bit, you will find beautiful secluded beaches that you can enjoy all to yourself! This is much easier if you have a car, because you will be able to visit small towns where other tourists might not go.
9. Dine at a kaiten-zushi
If you are in Japan, you can’t leave without eating at a kaiten-zushi. This is a restaurant where sushi is served via a conveyor belt that passes by different tables. You can grab whatever you see, or you can order something specific. These restaurants are even cheaper in Okinawa than in mainland Japan. Even slices of expensive fish, such as fugu, only cost about 200 yen ($1.50 USD)!
Where to Stay in Okinawa
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Okinawa. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
Low budget
If you are visiting Okinawa on a budget, check out the Pangoo Onna Japanese Style Hotel. This hotel is located at the central part of the island, along the western coast, and just a 3-minute walk from a beach. You can stay here for about $35 USD/night.
Medium budget
If you really want to live it up in Okinawa, check out the Rose Terrace Bise. This 3-bedroom villa is located close to several beaches on the northwestern part of the island. This is the place to go for a great seaside view in Okinawa!
High budget
There are plenty of options for high-budget accommodations in Naha. One of the most highly-rated hotels is Hotel Collective. This 5-star hotel offers amazing views from all of its rooms.
Check out the map below for available accommodations.
Tips for Visiting Okinawa
Before your trip to Okinawa, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
This is probably the best piece of advice I could give you. By renting a car, you have more freedom to explore the island at your own pace. You can visit small villages and secluded beaches. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with local driving laws and customs before hitting the road.
2. Visit nearby islands
This will be much easier to do if you have a car. There are some islands, such as Sesoko and Yagaji, that are accessible via bridge. Other islands, such as Ie Island, require a ferry to get there. It is fascinating to see how the people of these remote islands have their own culture and lifestyle.
3. Download a map of Okinawa offline
There are certain places on the island where you will not receive any kind of phone service. It would be extremely inconvenient if you did not know how to return home, because Okinawa is full of narrow roads and one-way streets. Having a map of the island downloaded offline will help prevent this from happening.
4. Download Google Translate or similar app
If you do not know Japanese, having one of these apps will help you out a lot. You’ll be able to translate menus at restaurants, ask people questions, etc. This is very important because many smaller restaurants or towns won’t have any English speakers.
5. Learn a few words in Uchinaaguchi
Uchinaaguchi is the name for the indigenous language spoken in Okinawa. After the island was colonized by Japan, the Japanese language was imposed on them. Today, only the older generations speak this language. But you will blow their minds if you can greet them in their native tongue!
Haisai (high-sigh) – Hello.
Nife (nee-fay) – Thank you.
